Indiana State University Newsroom

Insurance and risk management students win top honors

November 13, 2009

An Indiana State University student has been awarded a scholarship presented annually by one of the nation's leading business fraternities.

Gamma Iota Sigma - a fraternal organization that seeks to enhance the professionalism of students in the risk management, healthcare risk management, and actuarial science programs - annually honors only one college student with a scholarship named in honor of the organization's founder.

Terri Ketzner, an ISU junior insurance and risk management major from Ferdinand, Ind., brought home that prestigious Warren L. Weeks scholarship last month from the organization's 38th annual conference.

Nearly 30 chapters were represented at the conference held this year at Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn. The ISU Alpha Epsilon chapter tied with Temple's chapter for most awards won.

Ketzner, who was nominated by advisor Rebecca Shorter, was honored because of her leadership qualities and her interest in furthering the goals of Gamma Iota Sigma.

While Ketzner is the first ISU student ever to receive this honor, she believes the award says more about the accomplishments of the ISU chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma than her own accomplishments.

"I feel grateful for this award but could not have done it without the support and involvement of the Alpha Epsilon chapter and its members," she said.

The ISU chapter won five other awards: the Chapter Management Award, the Membership Development Award, the Black and Gold Award Community Service Pairing with Industry Award, the Black and Gold Award for Gamma Iota Sigma Rush Week, and the Black and Gold Hugs and Kisses Award. The chapter last won an award in 2001.

Paige Williams, the group's vice president of public relations and a senior from Terre Haute, said the recognition demonstrates that the chapter is well-developed professionally and is delivering quality work.

"These awards prove it by helping us stand out," she said.

Other students who attended the conference are Cecilia Emmons from French Lick, Ind., Catherine Price from Terre Haute, Julie Alig from Portland, Ind., Sara Mays from Paoli, Ind., Ryan Teppen from Evansville, Ind., David Walters from Valparaiso, Ind. and Nathan Lloyd from North Liberty, Ind.